Summer Camp

Part 1: Camp Omega

"It's the perfect set up."

"How do you figure?"

"Mr. Thorton owns the property not only on this side of the lake, but he also owns the camp, but no one knows that. He had the camp built to his specifications. And the cost guarantees that only certain kids can attend."

"Kids ripe for the plucking, I take it."

"One kid every few days, at random and usually the younger ones."

"The kid that gets 'borrowed' is usually from one the wealthiest families. Their picture is taken and a ransom note is sent. The child is returned the next day unharmed. Of course that doesn't mean the kid is safe. The parents must come up with the money or the camp counselors will find one of their camp attendees floating in the lake. Of course it would look bad for the camp's reputation to even think about reporting or the parents to refuse."

"Five years. We have a few others involved. We do have a new recruit this year, but only two of the senior members are trusted with the work that's needed. When those members graduate two more will be chosen to take over their duties."

"How does it work though?"

"We have a contact in the camp, someone they least expect."

"How are you contacted?"

"Take a look through there."

"The man's associate looked through the telescope."

"All I see is someone on a trapeze."

"Look closely."

The man watched as the trapeze artist switched out a red flag for a green one. The flag was attached to a platform. There was only one other color that decorated the area around the trapeze setup. The single odd color made it easy to spot.

"So, what colors should I look for?"

"Green means we're open for business. If there's trouble, a red flag is put up and all operation ceases for the rest of that week. A white flag will be put out when a likely candidate for plucking is spotted."

"What if the kid's parents refuse to cooperate?"

"What else, the black flag."

"How's the kid disposed of?"

"We haven't had to use the black flag in three years."

"Is he the only contact in the camp?"

"No, but you don't need to know that. Your job will be to keep an eye on those flags. The first week everyone will be getting use to the routine. He'll let us know when it's time."

"Mr. Thorton runs a tight ship, I understand. What if some kid comes across the lake?"

"A few have but not often. We limit our operation at certain times, when no one will be missed. Enough questions. We need to prepare for Mr. Thorton's arrival."

Dick Grayson arrived at Camp Omega. It was a most beautiful setting he had ever seen. He and Bruce Wayne rarely get out to the countryside, let alone to the woods for camping. There were several cabins scattered throughout the woods as well as a dining hall, a craft building, another building he wasn't sure about, and outdoor activity areas. Dick learned where he needed to sign up for activities as well as his assigned cabin.

"You are in cabin number 6. It's the Robin cabin. Just walk down the main road and take the third turn on your left.

"Thanks," Dick said, ironic that he was placed in the very tent with his secret identity.

"Best to get settled now. There will be an orientation in two hours then lunch will be served. There will be a special welcome dinner this evening beginning at 6:00 pm."

Dick carried his bags to the cabin. It was easy to locate. He suppressed a smile seeing the plaque next to the door; he would have to write Bruce about this. Each cabin slept four. Two of the cots were spoken for. Dick moved over to one of the remaining cots, the one left under the window. The other was tucked into the other corner of the room. Another person came in. He was a little older, but not much taller. He was almost 17 years old and with red hair. His face also had freckles across his cheeks. The two who claimed the other beds were also older than Dick. They appeared to be 17 years old, but hard to tell. Plus, they were much taller, nearly Bruce's height. This would be their last time at summer camp. All four settled in quickly. The two 17 year olds left the cabin, one of them bumping into Dick and nearly bowled him over.

"Hey, are you okay?" The red head asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. What's with those two? They didn't seem very friendly."

"They're the Jamison brothers. You have to watch out for them. They like to pick on the smaller and younger ones at camp. My name's Jimmy Olsen, what's yours?"

"Dick Grayson."

"I take it, this is your first time?" Jimmy asked.

"Yeah, my guardian thought I could use a change."

"Guardian?"

'Yeah, his name's Bruce Wayne," Dick answered.

"Not the Billionaire Socialite? Hey maybe you can get me an interview. I actually work on the camp newspaper. And I'm trying to become a reporter and I could use some interesting news. Well, I'm the only one producing it, so I guess that makes me the editor, too."

"And maybe you could show me around camp since you've been here before," Dick suggested.

After stowing their belongings and making their beds, Dick's new friend Jimmy Olsen gave him a tour of the camp. It was still morning where a large bell went off.

"Oh, I almost forgot. They have an orientation for the new people."

"Orientation?" Dick questioned.

"Yeah, it's where you learn everything about the camp and about the camp rules. Come on, we don't want to be late."

Both boys entered the dining hall to find a seat at one of the tables. Dick noticed there was a look of dismay on Jimmy's face.

"It appears there's more trouble. Look over at that table."

Dick looked over to see a table of about six kids, all of them about Jimmy's age except for the Jamison boys, Next to them, the brothers actually looked older.

"What about them?" Dick asked.

"Those four are also trouble. I heard rumors the last three years I've been here, but I could never prove them."

"What kind of rumors?"

"A couple of kids would go missing, but then turn up the next day. Oddly enough, when a kid would go missing two of those older kids volunteered to find them, even though they aren't camp staff, and then they would be missing as well. Not only that, one of the kids that used to be part of that gang is gone. It looks like he's been replaced. And I know that kid. His name is Jake Carson. Had a run-in with him last summer. He's about as bad as the rest. If only I can get some proof that their involved with something."

"What are they involved with?" Dick asked.

"That's just it. I don't know," Jimmy stated, shaking his head. "I don't know. Can't do much investigating when I'm trying to run a newspaper."

"Maybe I can help.," Dick suggested.

A smile came over Jimmy's face. "We better take as seat before we can't."

The moved to a table from across the room and sat down, preparing to listen to what came next.

Continues with Part 2: A Grayson Flies Again